It was a crucial win for many reasons, staving off in-form Glory who could've closed the gap on Victory while three of Saturday night's goalscorers - Besart Berisha (Kosovo), Marco Rojas (New Zealand) and James Troisi (Australia) - will miss the Round 24 trip to Brisbane Roar.

Muscat was thrilled with his players' response after last week's loss to Sydney.

"The boys were outstanding. We didn't let the goal affect us, if anything, we'll look back on scoring only four with disappointment," Muscat said.

"Considering where everything sits with teams above and below us, the word complacency was mentioned during the week.

"The focus is that we need to improve these last five games, the performances need to improve.

"We've been around at the end of the season enough that performances hold you in good stead.

"I don't take confidence out of results, I take them out of performances and tonight there was an unbelievable desire and belief."

Oliver Bozanic was left out of the squad last night, while Muscat said that Fahid Ben Khalfallah, who netted the second, will continue to be picked if he plays like that.

Jai Ingham also got a maiden New Zealand call-up, leaving Muscat without four players in a fortnight assuming Berisha is called up, with Victory having next week off due to the split round.